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Here in the Tri-state, there's a abundance of farmers markets offering up locally-produced and handmade products to help satisfy all those home-grown cravings.

Historically, farmers markets are nothing new. The concept began when farmers harvested an excess of crops, more than they needed to feed their families. Instead of discarding the produce, they would generally gather in the center of their town or city to trade or sell their harvest.

Contemporary farmers markets grew in popularity in the late 1970s and 1980s after people became concerned with pesticides and practices used by industrial farms. As consumers became more intent on eating healthy and organic foods, the number of farmers markets increased over the years.

Cincinnati's oldest and most well known farmers market offers a variety of seasonal fresh fruit, vegetables, plant and flowers. Every item sold at the market is locally grown and harvested just prior to market day. The venue also offers locally produced jams, jellies, honey, baked goods, soaps and craft items. Visitors can also wander indoors to the other vendors in the marketplace to find an array of locally produced meats, cheeses, eggs, dairy products and just about any food item imaginable. Website:http://www.findlaymarket.org

Located in Hyde Park Square, this market features locally grown produce, herbs, plants and flowers. Vendors also offer a variety of cheeses, meats, poultry, eggs, honey, olive oil, wine and beer as well as baked goods. The market even offers up fresh smoothies and snacks so shoppers can nibble as they shop. Website: http://hydeparkfarmersmarket.com

In its seventh season, this market offers up more than 20 local and environmentally conscious vendors. Products include organically grown and sustainably-raised fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs and other products. Website:http://wyomingfarmersmarket.net

The Boone County Farmers Market boasts a large variety of items from nine Kentucky counties including Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Owen and Pendleton. During the early months, the market offers a wide variety of bedding plants and herbs but transitions primarily to fresh produce as fruits and vegetables become in season. The market is best-known for its knowledgeable growers who are there to answer all and any questions. Website:http://www.boonecountyfarmersmarket.org

The Fort Thomas Farmers' Market features more than 15 vendors selling all locally grown and homemade products. The market offers seasonal produce as well as a variety of plants, baked goods, meats, eggs and other homemade items. The market even offers up local wine.

Located in bucolic Independence, this farmers market features a wide variety of locally grown fruit, produce, plants and flowers. The market also offers meats including beef, poultry and pork as well as eggs and fresh baked goods. The market currently boasts more than 15 vendors, but numbers and variety will increase as more product become seasonably available. Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/SKFarmersMarket

Nestled in the heart of historic Downtown Jeffersonville, this farmers market offers traditional fair including locally grown and fresh-picked seasonal produce. To give visitors a bit more variety, the market also offers specialty items including fresh meats, eggs, homemade baked goods, honey, vinegar and coffee with locally roasted beans. Organizers kick it up a notch by offering live acoustic music on Saturday by local musicians. Beginning in July, vendors will be offering some of their most popular items, sweet corn watermelons. Website: http://www.jeffmainstreet.org/events/farmers-market/

Lawrenceburg Farmers Market: June 1 through October Location: 29 E High St, Lawrenceburg (Located in the Parking Lot on High Street next to Books on High)Hours: Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Lawrenceburg Farmers Market features a wide variety of plants for gardens and patios in early spring and early summer, then transitions to fruits and vegetables as the season progresses. Thursday's market intentionally coincides with Music on the River beginning at 7:00 p.m. featuring regional musicians and groups. On Saturdays, the market expands to become the Backstreet Market, featuring additional vendors of locally made food and crafts.

Brookville Farmers Market: May through October Location: 135 Harrison Ave, Brookville (South end of Main St. at Noble's Variety Store under the pavilion)Hours: Friday 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

All products featured at this farmers market are grown or handmade by Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio farmers and artisans. The market features fresh eggs, rhubarb, early spring veggies, potted plants and flowers as well as fresh and frozen meats and poultry. Those with a sweet tooth can purchase homemade chocolates, candies, fresh baked goods and homemade preserves.

Copyright 2013 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.